Farming | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/farming
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Tue, 14 Aug 2018 21:35:11 GMT2018-08-14T21:35:11Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Australian farmers body says Roundup cancer ruling is 'in blatant ignorance' of sciencehttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/14/australian-farmers-body-says-roundup-cancer-ruling-is-in-blatant-ignorance-of-science
<p>National Farmers’ Federation says US court ruling that weedkiller causes cancer sets a ‘reckless precedent’</p><p>Australia’s National Farmers’ Federation has rejected the finding of a US court that the weedkiller Roundup causes cancer, saying it set a “reckless precedent” that could harm agriculture. </p><p>On Monday, Greenpeace <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/13/australia-urged-to-restrict-monsantos-roundup-after-us-court-rules-it-caused-cancer">urged the Australian government to start restricting the sale of Roundup</a> – which is widely available in supermarkets and hardware stores – after a Californian court found it <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/10/monsanto-trial-cancer-dewayne-johnson-ruling">caused the cancer of a terminally ill man</a>. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/11/homebase-to-review-sale-of-monsanto-weedkiller-after-us-cancer-verdict-roundup">Homebase to review sale of Monsanto weedkiller after US cancer verdict</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/14/australian-farmers-body-says-roundup-cancer-ruling-is-in-blatant-ignorance-of-science">Continue reading...</a>FarmingAustralia newsGreenpeaceAgricultureHealthMonsantoBusiness (Australia)Tue, 14 Aug 2018 01:04:27 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/14/australian-farmers-body-says-roundup-cancer-ruling-is-in-blatant-ignorance-of-sciencePhotograph: SUPPLIED/PR IMAGEPhotograph: SUPPLIED/PR IMAGENaaman Zhou2018-08-14T01:04:27ZFarming ideas to make a fortune: inside Brazil's food security festivalhttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/14/how-to-feed-the-world-inside-brazils-food-security-conference-sponsored-by-pesticide-manufacturer
<p>Agriculture startups from around the world gathered at a vibrant conference sponsored by pesticide manufacturer</p><p>As confetti showers a theatre inside Rio de Janeiro’s normally sedate Museum of Tomorrow, electronic pop music pounds and dozens of young people crowd the stage to dance enthusiastically, hugging each other and waving flags as their audience films the festivities on their phones.</p><p>But this is not a religious event, or a disco. It’s an unusual conference that has attracted several hundred young people from across the world to pitch and discuss ideas on how to feed the world’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/apr/23/population-how-many-people-can-the-earth-sustain-lucy-lamble">booming population</a> with agriculture startups – and make their fortunes doing so.<br></p><p>[It's] very bleak for young people around the world so this is a moment they can get motivated and inspired</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/14/how-to-feed-the-world-inside-brazils-food-security-conference-sponsored-by-pesticide-manufacturer">Continue reading...</a>Food securityGlobal developmentBrazilAmericasWorld newsAgricultureFarmingEnvironmentScienceEnvironmental sustainabilitySustainable developmentSocietyPesticidesTue, 14 Aug 2018 12:02:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/14/how-to-feed-the-world-inside-brazils-food-security-conference-sponsored-by-pesticide-manufacturerPhotograph: Thought for FoodPhotograph: Thought for FoodDom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro2018-08-14T12:02:11ZGovernment ministers should ban Roundup – not sing its praises | Natalie Bennetthttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/14/roundup-government-uk-minister-ban-glyphosate
<p>Thérèse Coffey’s ill-judged tweet shows we have still work to do to rid the planet of the glyphosate</p><p>On a summer Sunday afternoon, Thérèse Coffey, parliamentary-under secretary of state at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), was, it would appear from her Twitter feed, about to do some gardening. Unremarkable, you might think. Parliament is in recess, and parliamentarians are entitled to their leisure like anyone else.</p><p>But this was political gardening, for before doing so she put out a quite remarkable message: “Getting ready to deploy the amazing Roundup!” it said, with a picture of the bright green bottle of a weedkiller by Monsanto – a multinational company <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/jun/04/monsanto-to-ditch-its-infamous-name-after-sale-to-bayer">with a toxic reputation</a> (as even Bayer, which has recently taken it over, <a draggable="true" href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bayer-agm/bayer-ceo-says-monsantos-reputation-is-a-major-challenge-idUSKBN17U127">acknowledges</a>). The tweet came just hours after a US jury gave a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/10/monsanto-trial-cancer-dewayne-johnson-ruling">terminally ill retired groundskeeper $289m</a><a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/10/monsanto-trial-cancer-dewayne-johnson-ruling"> in damages</a> for his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which it attributed to glyphosate – the active chemical in Roundup.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Getting ready to deploy the amazing Roundup! <a href="https://t.co/i9oUScNK38">pic.twitter.com/i9oUScNK38</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/may/31/herbicides-insecticides-save-british-countryside-meaows">The British countryside is being killed by herbicides and insecticides – can anything save it?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/14/roundup-government-uk-minister-ban-glyphosate">Continue reading...</a>MonsantoPesticidesBayerAgricultureFarmingConservativesFood safetyEnvironmentEuropean UnionSciencePoliticsEuropeTue, 14 Aug 2018 10:30:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/14/roundup-government-uk-minister-ban-glyphosatePhotograph: Mike Blake/ReutersPhotograph: Mike Blake/ReutersNatalie Bennett2018-08-14T10:30:02ZCountry diary 1968: bracken spreads like a flood across the fellshttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/13/country-diary-1918-bracken-spreads-like-a-flood-across-the-fells
<p><strong>19 August 1968 </strong>Bracken is a pest and over the last 20 years has taken over much good grazing land</p><p><strong>Keswick</strong><br>There is rain again on the fells after some weeks of perfect, settled weather and very welcome it is, too. Drought does not seem right in the Lake District. Some of the crags are dangerous, rocks fall without warning and it is only the bracken which has thriven; its deep green is startling against the bleached grass of the fell slopes. Bracken is a pest here, it has spread like a flood in this century and even in the last score of years it has taken over much good grazing land. It is cut on some fell farms for bedding but I am told that it should be well rained on before storing to remove its pollen, which is poisonous to cattle. This is almost the last remaining use of bracken and some farms still have massive wooden sledges – iron runnered – for bringing down the bracken. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk/the-northerner/2013/mar/01/farming-pesticides">Bracken spray on moors gets temporary reprieve</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/13/country-diary-1918-bracken-spreads-like-a-flood-across-the-fells">Continue reading...</a>PlantsLake DistrictRural affairsFarmingEnvironmentMon, 13 Aug 2018 04:30:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/13/country-diary-1918-bracken-spreads-like-a-flood-across-the-fellsPhotograph: Peter J. Hatcher/Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Peter J. Hatcher/Alamy Stock PhotoEnid J. Wilson2018-08-13T04:30:21ZMeet me in the pig palace! The architects who turned their HQ into a farmhttps://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/aug/12/meet-me-in-the-pig-palace-the-architects-who-turned-their-hq-into-a-farm
<p>Feilden Fowles is scooping up all the best work. Is this because their HQ is also a farm?</p><p>Lambs are bleating, pigs are snuffling and a chicken is wandering about between planters spilling over with tomatoes and courgettes. All this is just a short walk from the teetering towers of <a href="http://www.southbank-place.com/">Southbank Place</a>, where £10m apartments are rising in stacks behind the London Eye. But there’s a very different type of regeneration going on in this city farm, which sits on a sliver of land in Lambeth, between the tangled tracks of Waterloo station and the slabs of St Thomas’ hospital. Today the animals are going about their business while a group of young architects are toiling away in a low-slung studio shed at the other end of the site from a great wooden barn.</p><p>“The name Lambeth originally means ‘landing place for lambs’,” says architect Fergus Feilden. “So it’s sort of fitting that we’ve brought them back here.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/aug/12/meet-me-in-the-pig-palace-the-architects-who-turned-their-hq-into-a-farm">Continue reading...</a>ArchitectureArt and designCultureFarm animalsFarmingLondonSun, 12 Aug 2018 14:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2018/aug/12/meet-me-in-the-pig-palace-the-architects-who-turned-their-hq-into-a-farmPhotograph: PRPhotograph: PROliver Wainwright2018-08-12T14:00:03ZHomebase to review sale of Monsanto weedkiller after US cancer verdicthttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/11/homebase-to-review-sale-of-monsanto-weedkiller-after-us-cancer-verdict-roundup
<p>Roundup was ruled by a Californian jury to have caused Dewayne Johnson’s lymphoma</p><p>One of the UK’s largest DIY retailers is reviewing the sale of Roundup weedkiller products amid mounting concerns about their use, after a US jury found that the herbicide had caused a terminally ill man’s cancer. </p><p>The manufacturer of the weedkiller, Monsanto, has insisted that British consumers are safe to continue using Roundup products, which are widely sold at DIY stores and used by British farmers. But a spokesperson for Homebase said it would be reviewing its product range after the ruling in California. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/09/epa-pesticide-learning-disabilities-banned-chlorpyrifos">EPA ordered to ban pesticide linked to learning disabilities</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/11/homebase-to-review-sale-of-monsanto-weedkiller-after-us-cancer-verdict-roundup">Continue reading...</a>MonsantoRetail industryPesticidesFarmingAgricultureBusinessWorld newsUK newsUS newsPharmaceuticals industryBayerEnvironmentSat, 11 Aug 2018 16:08:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/11/homebase-to-review-sale-of-monsanto-weedkiller-after-us-cancer-verdict-roundupPhotograph: Jeff Roberson/APPhotograph: Jeff Roberson/APPatrick Greenfield2018-08-11T16:08:02ZBrexit risks: food insecurity and a weak pound | Lettershttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/10/brexit-risks-food-insecurity-and-a-weak-pound
Bishop of St Albans <strong>Alan Smith</strong> on avoiding making every meal a moral quandary; <strong>David Redshaw</strong> on the implications of sterling’s slide; <strong>Marion Hine</strong> on the referendum result<p>The NFU is right to highlight the danger Brexit poses for British food&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/07/uk-run-out-of-food-no-deal-brexit-national-farmers-union" title="">Food shortage warning</a>, 8&nbsp;August). It is concerning in this uncertain geopolitical landscape that there has been a long-term decline in our food security.</p><p>Brexit brings additional risks and we could be at the mercy of other nations in our government’s bid to strike trade deals. Despite government promises to maintain our high-quality food and welfare standards, the reality is that any new trade deals will demand access to our markets. There is a danger that we will find ourselves importing food which has been produced in poor conditions, by underpaid and overworked farmers who have limited concern for animal welfare. We must have assurances that leaving the EU will not mean exporting morality overseas. As a nation we cannot hold our farmers to high standards here in Britain while eating imported food produced at much lower standards.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/10/brexit-risks-food-insecurity-and-a-weak-pound">Continue reading...</a>BrexitFarmingUK newsEuropean UnionForeign policyFood & drink industrySterlingCurrenciesBusinessEnvironmentPoliticsFri, 10 Aug 2018 15:09:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/10/brexit-risks-food-insecurity-and-a-weak-poundPhotograph: Loop Images/UIG via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Loop Images/UIG via Getty ImagesLetters2018-08-10T15:09:39ZThe chips are down in Belgium as heatwave hits supply of friteshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/10/the-chips-are-down-in-belgium-as-heatwave-hits-supply-of-frites
<p>Reduced yields are putting national dish and ‘symbol of Belgium’ under threat</p><p>Food vendors in Belgium are praying for rain as the hot weather threatens the supply of the country’s national dish, frites.</p><p>The <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/04/temperatures-in-southern-europe-top-45-heatwave-spain-portugal">Europe</a><a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/04/temperatures-in-southern-europe-top-45-heatwave-spain-portugal">-wide heatwave</a> has shrunk Belgium’s early crop of potatoes by about one-third compared with an average year. Without significant rainfall over the next few weeks, the key September and October harvests could be smaller still.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/23/battered-chip-shacks-of-brussels-in-taste-tussle">Brussels' battered chip shacks to get revamp</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/10/the-chips-are-down-in-belgium-as-heatwave-hits-supply-of-frites">Continue reading...</a>BelgiumFarmingFood & drink industryEnvironmentClimate changeEuropeWorld newsFri, 10 Aug 2018 09:15:23 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/10/the-chips-are-down-in-belgium-as-heatwave-hits-supply-of-fritesPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoPhotograph: Alamy Stock PhotoDaniel Boffey in Brussels2018-08-10T09:15:23ZHeatwave forces cancellation of Highland gameshttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/09/heatwave-forces-cancellation-of-highland-games
<p>Farmer where Invercharron games are held has not been able to harvest slow-growing hay </p><p>Scotland is more familiar with weather extremes of the icy or wet variety, but this summer’s exceptionally dry conditions have resulted in a traditional Highland games being cancelled.</p><p>The Invercharron Highland games, which were scheduled to be held on 15 September near Bonar Bridge in Sutherland, have been cancelled because the farmer who owns the field where they are held has not been able to harvest his crops, which are unusually slow-growing owing to a lack of rain.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/jul/18/iaaf-can-learn-from-the-highland-games">IAAF can learn from the Highland games | Letters</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jul/24/why-is-europe-going-through-a-heatwave">Why is Europe going through a heatwave?</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/09/heatwave-forces-cancellation-of-highland-games">Continue reading...</a>ScotlandWeatherUK newsFarmingThu, 09 Aug 2018 11:07:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/09/heatwave-forces-cancellation-of-highland-gamesPhotograph: Murdo Macleod for the GuardianPhotograph: Murdo Macleod for the GuardianLibby Brooks Scotland correspondent2018-08-09T11:07:18ZReflecting sun's rays would cause crops to fail, scientists warnhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/08/reflecting-suns-rays-would-cause-crops-to-fail-scientists-warn
<p>Research shows geoengineering method intended to combat climate change would have adverse effect on agriculture</p><p>Proposals to combat climate change by reflecting the sun’s rays back into space would cause widespread crop failure, cancelling out any benefits to farming from the reduction in warming, according to new research.</p><p>By examining the effects of volcanic eruptions on agriculture – which has a similar effect to proposed artificial methods of scattering solar radiation through aerosols – scientists have concluded that such methods could have unintended consequences.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/08/reflecting-suns-rays-would-cause-crops-to-fail-scientists-warn">Continue reading...</a>GeoengineeringClimate changeEnvironmentFarmingAgricultureClimate changeScienceWorld newsWed, 08 Aug 2018 17:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/08/reflecting-suns-rays-would-cause-crops-to-fail-scientists-warnPhotograph: ISS/NASAPhotograph: ISS/NASAFiona Harvey Environment correspondent2018-08-08T17:00:02ZFirst UK-grown chia seeds to go on sale this weekhttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/08/first-uk-grown-chia-seeds-to-go-on-sale-this-week
<p>The popularity of plant-based diets has created huge demand for the oil-rich seeds, prompting a farm in Essex to plant a crop</p><p>The first UK-grown chia seeds go on sale this week, as demand for the plant native to the Americas is fuelled by the explosion in the popularity of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/veganism">plant-based diets</a>.</p><p>The company Hodmedod, pioneers of British-grown pulses, grains and seeds, has been working with farmers Peter and Andrew Fairs, of Great Tey in Essex, to bring the new British crop to market. <br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/08/first-uk-grown-chia-seeds-to-go-on-sale-this-week">Continue reading...</a>Ethical and green livingFood & drink industryFoodFarmingEnvironmentLife and styleUK newsFoodWed, 08 Aug 2018 05:30:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/08/first-uk-grown-chia-seeds-to-go-on-sale-this-weekPhotograph: Courtesy of Hodmedod'sPhotograph: Courtesy of Hodmedod'sRebecca Smithers Consumer affairs correspondent2018-08-08T05:30:12ZThe story of a recovery: how hurricane Maria boosted small farmshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/07/the-story-of-a-recovery-how-hurricane-maria-boosted-small-farms
<p>Puerto Rico’s small farms – aided by outside groups such as World Central Kitchen – have seized a post-disaster opportunity to challenge the island’s import-reliant food economy</p><p>Nestled between a chemical factory and sparkling blue ocean sits a wonderland filled with rowdy goats, sturdy passionfruit plants and tiny chive blossom flowers that when bitten, erupt with garlicky flavor 50 times more potent than their size.</p><p>That this farm in Manatí, Puerto Rico, exists at all is a marvel, considering owners Efrén Robles and Angelie Martínez could not enter the property after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/27/puerto-rico-faces-a-health-crisis-made-worse-as-majority-of-hospitals-are-inadequate">Hurricane Maria tore through on 20 September</a>. The couple said the hurricane destroyed 80% of the farm’s infrastructure and leveled its production capacity to zero.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/07/the-story-of-a-recovery-how-hurricane-maria-boosted-small-farms">Continue reading...</a>Puerto RicoAmericasUS newsWorld newsFarmingEnvironmentWed, 08 Aug 2018 04:00:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/07/the-story-of-a-recovery-how-hurricane-maria-boosted-small-farmsPhotograph: Angel Valentin for the GuardianPhotograph: Angel Valentin for the GuardianAmanda Holpuch in Manatí, Puerto Rico2018-08-08T04:00:10ZRace to contain destructive march of armyworm as pest spreads to Indiahttps://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/07/race-to-contain-destructive-march-of-armyworm-as-pest-spreads-to-india
<p>Voracious caterpillar that cost Africa billions of pounds in lost crops now threatens food security across Asia, scientists warn</p><p>A crop-chomping caterpillar that has devastated food stocks across Africa has now arrived in southern India, and scientists warn the insect could spread throughout Asia to become a major threat to global food security.</p><p>The voracious <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/may/16/armyworms-the-hungry-caterpillar-threatening-a-global-food-crisis">fall armyworm</a>, which was first spotted on the African continent two years ago and has since cost <a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/world/fall-armyworm-cost-more-2bn-losses">billions of pounds in crop losses</a>, is best known for gnawing on maize but eats an additional 186 plant species, including sorghum and soya beans.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2017/may/16/armyworms-the-hungry-caterpillar-threatening-a-global-food-crisis">Armyworms: The hungry caterpillar threatening a global food crisis</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/oct/25/invasion-of-maize-eating-caterpillars-worsens-hunger-crisis-in-africa-fall-armyworm">Invasion of maize-eating caterpillars worsens hunger crisis in Africa</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/07/race-to-contain-destructive-march-of-armyworm-as-pest-spreads-to-india">Continue reading...</a>Food securityGlobal developmentIndiaSouth and Central AsiaWorld newsFarmingEnvironmentInsectsTue, 07 Aug 2018 06:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2018/aug/07/race-to-contain-destructive-march-of-armyworm-as-pest-spreads-to-indiaPhotograph: Amos Gumulira/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Amos Gumulira/AFP/Getty ImagesKate Hodal2018-08-07T06:00:04ZUK could run out of food a year from now with no-deal Brexit, NFU warnshttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/07/uk-run-out-of-food-no-deal-brexit-national-farmers-union
<p>Farmers’ union says supplies would only last until August next year if Britain had to be self-sufficient</p><p>Britain would run out of food on this date next year if it cannot continue to easily import from the EU and elsewhere after Brexit, the National Farmers’ Union has warned.<br></p><p>Minette Batters, the NFU president, urged the government to put food security at the top of the political agenda after the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/05/liam-fox-says-no-deal-brexit-now-more-likely-than-an-agreement">prospect of a no-deal Brexit</a> was talked up this week.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/29/no-deal-brexit-food-supply-chain-crisis">Brexit provides the perfect ingredients for a national food crisis</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/07/uk-run-out-of-food-no-deal-brexit-national-farmers-union">Continue reading...</a>BrexitFoodFood & drink industryFarmingEnvironmentPoliticsUK newsBusinessTrade unionsMon, 06 Aug 2018 23:01:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/07/uk-run-out-of-food-no-deal-brexit-national-farmers-unionPhotograph: Design Pics Inc/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Design Pics Inc/REX/ShutterstockLisa O'Carroll Brexit correspondent2018-08-06T23:01:50Z'Big call': minister refuses to link drought to climate change on Q&Ahttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/07/david-littleproud-drought-climate-change-qanda
<p>Agriculture minister David Littleproud tells ABC audience he doesn’t ‘give a rats’ whether climate change is man-made</p><p>The agriculture minister says linking the drought affecting much of Australia to man-made climate change is a “big call” and he does not “give a rats if it’s man-made or not”.</p><p>David Littleproud made the comment on the ABC’s Q&amp;A program on Monday, which was filmed in Lismore in the northern rivers region of New South Wales. His comment was booed by the audience.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/05/turnbull-announces-immediate-cash-payments-for-drought-stricken-farmers">Turnbull announces $12,000 payments for drought-stricken farmers</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why is the Australian government not giving drought stricken farmers adequate support? <a href="https://twitter.com/afsnsw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@afsnsw</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/D_LittleproudMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@D_LittleproudMP</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/fitzhunter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fitzhunter</a> respond <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QandA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QandA</a> <a href="https://t.co/U6YW1tnAM0">pic.twitter.com/U6YW1tnAM0</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What is your plan, after this drought to ensure farmers livelihoods are secure for the future? <a href="https://twitter.com/fitzhunter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fitzhunter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/D_LittleproudMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@D_LittleproudMP</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/afsnsw?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@afsnsw</a> respond <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QandA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QandA</a> <a href="https://t.co/ENk1rzpRH6">pic.twitter.com/ENk1rzpRH6</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/aug/04/australias-drought-crisis-and-farmers-stories-of-anxiety-fear-and-resilience">Australia's drought crisis and farmers' stories of anxiety, fear and resilience</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Next week a sequel of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QandA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QandA</a> on drought from another rural centre, Nimbin</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/07/david-littleproud-drought-climate-change-qanda">Continue reading...</a>DroughtQ&ARural AustraliaAustralia newsAustralian politicsEnvironmentCoalitionClimate changeNew South WalesNatural disasters and extreme weatherEnergyFarmingMon, 06 Aug 2018 21:21:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/07/david-littleproud-drought-climate-change-qandaPhotograph: ABCPhotograph: ABCCalla Wahlquist2018-08-06T21:21:07Z'It's an epidemic' – farmers suffer from the theft of vital quad bikeshttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/quad-bike-theft-farmers-suffer-epidemic-vital-vehicles
<p>Jamie Smith has had two vehicles stolen from his farm in Worcestershire in 15 months</p><p>Jamie Smith’s Worcestershire farm has been broken into three times in 15 months. On the first two occasions, he had a quad bike stolen. In the most recent burglary, two months ago, his workshop was broken into but fortunately his quad bike was not there. </p><p>The 65-year-old, who has been a farmer for 30 years, estimates that over the same 15-month period about 35 quad bikes have been stolen from farms in a 20-mile stretch from Pershore through to Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/farmers-using-medieval-methods-to-combat-rural">Farmers using medieval methods to combat rural crime</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/quad-bike-theft-farmers-suffer-epidemic-vital-vehicles">Continue reading...</a>CrimeFarmingUK newsPoliceRural affairsEnvironmentMon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/quad-bike-theft-farmers-suffer-epidemic-vital-vehiclesPhotograph: Andrew Fox for the GuardianPhotograph: Andrew Fox for the GuardianHaroon Siddique2018-08-06T00:00:22ZFarmers using medieval methods to combat rural crimehttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/farmers-using-medieval-methods-to-combat-rural
<p>Farmers put up earth banks and dry ditches to block criminals who use 4 x 4 vehicles to get on to farm land</p><p>Farmers are resorting to medieval methods to combat rural crime which has risen to its highest level in four years, an increase being blamed on <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/organised-crime">organised criminal gangs</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/05/police-chiefs-say-cuts-are-putting-safety-of-public-at-risk-in-england-and-wales">policing cuts</a>. </p><p>Offences against farmers and other rural businesses cost an estimated £44.5m last year, an increase of 13.4% from 2016, according to insurer NFU (National Farmers Union) Mutual.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/quad-bike-theft-farmers-suffer-epidemic-vital-vehicles">'It's an epidemic' – farmers suffer from the theft of vital quad bikes</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/farmers-using-medieval-methods-to-combat-rural">Continue reading...</a>CrimeUK newsRural affairsFarmingEnvironmentMon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/aug/06/farmers-using-medieval-methods-to-combat-ruralPhotograph: Heinz-Peter Bader/ReutersPhotograph: Heinz-Peter Bader/ReutersHaroon Siddique2018-08-06T00:00:22ZScience’s search for a super bananahttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/aug/05/science-search-for-a-super-banana-panama-disease-gm-gene-editing
<p>A fruit bowl favourite and a staple food to millions, the banana is under threat from a formidable foe</p><p>Some suggest the banana is on the brink of extinction. Panama disease, also known as fusarium wilt, is on the march, wiping out plantations that provide a staple food for hundreds of millions of people and a livelihood for hundreds of thousands more.</p><p>Others say talk of Bananageddon is exaggerated. They point out bananas are as cheap and abundant as ever in our shops. The fungal strain that causes a new form of Panama disease has been spreading steadily for three decades, yet global production has continued to rise. Latin America – where some 80% of exported bananas are grown – has so far kept the pathogen at bay.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/jul/19/weird-new-fruits-could-hit-aisles-soon-thanks-to-gene-editing">Weird new fruits could hit aisles soon thanks to gene-editing</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/dec/12/gm-genetically-modified-banana-uganda-hunger-crisis">Can a GM banana solve Uganda's hunger crisis? | Alon Mwesigwa</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/aug/05/science-search-for-a-super-banana-panama-disease-gm-gene-editing">Continue reading...</a>AgricultureGeneticsPesticidesFarmingBiologyEnvironmentScienceSun, 05 Aug 2018 07:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2018/aug/05/science-search-for-a-super-banana-panama-disease-gm-gene-editingIllustration: James MelaughIllustration: James MelaughNic Fleming2018-08-05T07:00:03ZTrump administration lifts ban on pesticides linked to declining bee numbershttps://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/04/trump-administration-lifts-ban-on-pesticides-linked-to-declining-bee-numbers
<p>Environmentalists say lifting the restriction poses a grave threat to pollinating insects</p><p>The Trump administration has rescinded an Obama-era ban on the use of pesticides linked to declining bee populations and the cultivation of genetically modified crops in dozens of national wildlife refuges where farming is permitted. <br></p><p>Environmentalists, who had sued to bring about the two-year-old ban, said on Friday that lifting the restriction poses a grave threat to pollinating insects and other sensitive creatures relying on toxic-free habitats afforded by wildlife refuges. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/27/eu-agrees-total-ban-on-bee-harming-pesticides">EU agrees total ban on bee-harming pesticides</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/29/alarming-link-between-fungicides-and-bee-declines-revealed">Alarming link between fungicides and bee declines revealed</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/04/trump-administration-lifts-ban-on-pesticides-linked-to-declining-bee-numbers">Continue reading...</a>BeesGMFarmingEnvironmentTrump administrationScienceUS newsInsectsWildlifeSat, 04 Aug 2018 03:03:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/aug/04/trump-administration-lifts-ban-on-pesticides-linked-to-declining-bee-numbersPhotograph: Larry W. Smith/EPAPhotograph: Larry W. Smith/EPAReuters2018-08-04T03:03:04ZHeatwave in Europe set to push up UK food priceshttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/03/heatwave-in-europe-set-to-push-up-uk-food-prices
<p>Wheat and vegetable crops are struggling throughout the continent with price rises on the way</p><p>The ongoing heatwave is starting to burn a hole in Britons’ pockets, as higher food prices linked to scorched harvests across Europe reach shops and restaurants.</p><p>“Today I am selling a box of broccoli for £8 but by Monday that could have doubled,” says Paul Murphy, a director of Yes Chef,based at London’s New Covent Garden market, which supplies fruit and vegetables to restaurants in the capital.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/03/heatwave-in-europe-set-to-push-up-uk-food-prices">Continue reading...</a>Food & drink industryFarmingFoodEnvironmentDroughtBusinessUK newsWeatherFamily financesMoneyShops and shoppingFri, 03 Aug 2018 16:15:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/aug/03/heatwave-in-europe-set-to-push-up-uk-food-pricesPhotograph: Graham Turner/AlamyPhotograph: Graham Turner/AlamyZoe Wood and Sarah Butler2018-08-03T16:15:26Z